Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart

Consumption of food and drink leads to fluctuations in the levels of glucose in blood. Normal blood sugar levels chart presented in this article can be helpful in understanding what your blood sugar level should be. Take a look at the other charts in this article which describe normal, high and low blood sugar levels for men, women and kids.

HealthHearty Staff

Last Updated: Apr 23, 2018

Human body requires glucose for the production of energy and carbohydrates are the main source of glucose. Scarcity of glucose can affect body metabolism seriously. Glucose in blood is commonly known as blood sugar. Not only low glucose levels but elevated glucose levels also can lead to serious health complications, for example, diabetes and stroke. If serious fluctuations in the levels of blood sugar are not treated promptly, they can prove to be fatal.

Blood Sugar and Diabetes

If you notice symptoms like excessive thirst and hunger, excessive urination, low energy, weight loss, a wound not healing quickly (despite medications), etc. you should consult your physician. Blood tests help diagnose diabetes. Blood sugar is checked twice, first after fasting for about 8 hours (generally overnight) and then two hours after lunch. The first one is known as fasting blood sugar level and the latter is known as postprandial blood sugar level. Blood sugar measured randomly, at any time of the day is referred to as random blood sugar. Insulin, produced by pancreas plays an important role in the process of absorption of glucose by the cells. Dysfunction of the beta cells of the pancreas results in insulin deficiency. This adversely affects the process of breakdown of glucose and leads to an abnormal rise in blood sugar levels. This condition is known as type 1 diabetes.

Sometimes body cells don't respond to insulin, and do not absorb glucose present in blood. This results in high blood glucose levels. The condition is known as insulin resistance or it is also referred to as type 2 diabetes. Increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, nausea, excessive fatigue, blurred vision, frequent infections, weight loss, dry mouth, slowly-healing wounds, tingling sensation, numbness in fingers are some of the commonly noticed symptoms of diabetes. Significantly high blood sugar indicates hyperglycemia and abnormally low blood glucose levels indicate hypoglycemia.

Low Blood Glucose Levels

Blood Glucose Levels

Readings (mg/dL)

Normal

70 - 140

Hypoglycemia (Initial Stage)

Below 70

Hypoglycemia (Fasting)

50

Insulin Shock

Less than 50

High Blood Glucose Levels

Blood Sugar Levels

Fasting Values

Post Meal Value: 2 hrs after the Meal

Normal

70 - 100 mg/dL

Less than 140 mg/dL

Early Diabetes

101 - 126 mg/dL

140 - 200 mg/dL

Diabetes

More than 126 mg/dL

More than 200 mg/dL

Normal Blood Sugar Levels

Chart for Women

Blood Sugar

Readings (mg/dL)

Normal Blood Sugar Range

70 to 140

Post Meal Value: 2 hrs after the Meal

may rise up to 135 to 145

Post Meal Value: 1 hour after the Meal

may rise up to 180

Random Blood Sugar

70 to 140

Normal Fasting Blood Sugar

70 to 100

Chart for Men

Blood Sugar

Readings (mg/dL)

Normal Blood Sugar Range

70 to 140

Fasting Blood Sugar Range

70 to 100

Post Meal Value: 2 hrs after the Meal

may rise up to 140

Random Blood Sugar

70 to 125

Blood Sugar Levels Chart for Kids and Adults

Blood Sugar

Kids

Adults

Normal

70 - 100 mg/dL

70 - 140 mg/dL

Low

Below 70 mg/dL

Below 70 mg/dL

High

Over 140 mg/dL

Over 180 mg/dL

You must have noticed that the normal blood glucose levels for men and women are slightly different. A diabetic person or a person who is diagnosed with borderline diabetes (prediabetes) should follow a diabetic diet to control the levels of glucose in blood. He/she should incorporate low glycemic foods, low-fat foods, low-calorie foods in regular diet. A diabetic person needs to monitor blood glucose levels regularly. He/she can control blood sugar level with the help of diet and exercise. Avoiding refined carbohydrates which cause sudden rise and fall in blood sugar level and incorporating complex carbohydrates that help maintain normal blood sugar level in diet is essential. Regular exercise, prompt medications and balanced diet help stabilize blood sugar levels. If you notice high or low blood sugar, you should consult your doctor immediately.